Don't Make Your Friends Fat: Recipes for Healthy Holiday Food Gifts

There's something special about freshly baked load of bread or a tray of festive cookies around the holidays. Even if you're not a self-professed foodie, you'll probably agree that food makes for a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for friends, neighbors and co-workers alike. But even though all those breads and cookies are downright delicious, they're not exactly kind to your health. This year as you venture into the kitchen to whip up something special (or surf the net for the perfect pre-made indulgence) why not consider guilt-free goodies instead of traditional unhealthy holiday favorites? Unlike Grandma's famous fudge and Aunt Ida's fruitcake we've found healthy alternatives that you can feel good about giving - and recipients will feel even better about eating!

Whether you enjoy tapping into your inner Ina Garten, or prefer online point and click solutions, we've got you covered with healthy food gifts for everyone on your list. Here are a few of our favorite healthy food gifts to give:

If you're known for making a mean bread-loaf but want to try your hand at a recipe that's a bit more health-conscious than your old standard, try this recipe for Cranberry Oat Bread. It packs a healthy punch because it swaps sugar for honey and is chock full of healthful cranberries (a well-known antioxidant packed superfood).

Soup for you. Seinfeld's Soup Nazi has nothing on this recipe for homemade Friendship Soup. For a great holiday gift, layer dry ingredients in a large glass jar, top the lid with a 7 inch wide circle of festive fabric, tie off with colorful ribbon and attach a tag that lists ingredients and instructions for cooking.

Mull it over. Attach a sachet of homemade mulled cider mix to a gallon of apple cider or a bottle of red wine. To make the cider mix together 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries, 1 teaspoon dried grated orange peel and 3 cardamom pods. Place the mixture in the center of one 6 inch square of double layered cheesecloth. Gather the edges together and tie the sachet with a ribbon. Attach a gift tag with the following instructions: Combine one gallon of apple cider or 750ml bottle of wine with l spice sachet in a large pot. Simmer over low heat 15 minutes if using wine or 30 minutes if using apple cider. Ladle into mugs and serve hot, garnish with a cinnamon stick or orange slice, if desired.

Spice it up. Place a trio of small herb plants such as rosemary, thyme and dill together in a festive basket along with a corresponding recipe card for each. A few tasty recipe options include Diver Scallops Grilled on Rosemary, Thyme-Coated Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Lamb Brochettes with Lemon and Dill.

Give the gift of fruit. It doesn't get much healthier than fresh fruit. For a decadent (yet fuss-free) fruit basket, order an Edible Arrangements bouquet (as low as $25).

For more info on how to spend less, get more and sweeten your life keep exploring all the info, updates, deals and coupons on RedPlum!